Pasadena's few remaining open spaces suffer under competition between human and natural needs. We need to increase recreational opportunities for our children while preserving our environment by identifying new parklands.
- Improving and Maintaining our Parks: First, we must renew our commitment to the parks we do have. Washington Park, which has been reclaimed as a safe zone by its neighbors, needs more regular maintenance, improved landscaping, and continued staffing to maintain positive programs for local youth. Villa Parke has been so valuable to our community for education, recreation, and sports, we need to provide more support for upkeep and new facilities. Master plans developed by the community should fully develop these needs.
- New Parks: As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Commission, I understand the human need for open space in the midst of all of the asphalt. At the same time, we often find vacant lots filling with trash and creating holes in our neighborhoods. These provide opportunities for the City to create new "pocket parks" as gathering places in our urban environment.
- New Recreational Fields: We need playing fields to provide our youth with opportunities to spend their time in positive ways. We should work with the Pasadena Unified School District to jointly develop playing fields, benefiting the City and the schools.
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